Joyce Williet Williams

Joyce Williet Williams was born July 2, 1953 to Willie Bill Brown and Lena Bostick Brown in Olanta, South Carolina. She departed this life on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. She attended Olanta Elementary and High School.

In 1973, Joyce joined the United States Army at Ft Jackson, South Carolina. During her 20 years of service she traveled to Alaska, Costa Rica, Honduras, Korea and Germany. She always talked about how joining the military was one of the best things she ever did. She valued the tenets of discipline, teamwork and investing in a cause bigger than yourself. These beliefs were ingrained in her as a child but only reinforced during her military career. Her last assignment was USAMEDDAC HEALTH SERVICES COMMAND. She retired June 30, 1993 at the rank of 1st Sergeant at Redstone Arsenal, AL.

Military retirement didn’t slow her down at all. In 1995, Joyce joined the Madison Country Sherriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer. After a 20 year career with the Sheriff’s department, she retired again.

Anyone who has been around her, whether it be family or coworkers, are quick to talk about how selfless, caring, and committed she was. Her nickname was “MaMa”, and it didn’t matter who you were, she became your mama. Joyce knew how to command a room but she could also turn around and laugh with you the next minute. She was a straight shooter and you always knew where you stood with her. She also had a big heart and supported numerous charitable causes and groups throughout her life.

Joyce’s greatest calling was leading others to Christ. When she became saved, The Great Commission became her life. She would share the Gospel with anyone and everyone whether you wanted to hear it or not. Why? She knew that people needed it, that people needed Jesus. She was not shy about sharing what He had done in her life. Joyce would pray for you right where you stood if you needed it. She didn’t miss an opportunity to share God’s Word. She would always tell anyone to “Praise Him anyhow!” She could speak a word to you and you knew God was speaking through her. Now God has called His faithful servant home.

She is survived by her daughter, Shileshia (Erik) Milligan; her sisters, Billie A. Burgess and Lena (Calvin) Wright, and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nieces, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Lena Brown, her sisters Martha Singletary, Jeanette Addison, Allie Butts; three brothers Johnny Hanna, Willie Hannah, and Charles Redden.

Visitation for Joyce will be held Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be Friday, April 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. Joyce will be Laid to Rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens, Huntsville, Alabama. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Williams family.